Lou Spadia, creator of Bay Area Hall of Fame, dies at 92

Lou Spadia, founder of the Bay Area Sports Hall of Fame and a former president of the 49ers, has died. He was 92.

Spadia created the Bay Area hall -- known as BASHOF -- in 1979, after leaving the 49ers. The first enshrinement was held in 1980 with the inductees being Joe DiMaggio, Willie Mays, Bill Russell, Hank Luisetti and Ernie Nevers.

A San Francisco native, Spadia served as president and CEO of BASHOF until 2003, and he served as chairman emeritus until his death on Sunday. He died in San Francisco of natural causes.

Spadia spent 33 years working for the 49ers, starting as an office boy in 1946 and becoming team president in 1967.

Tweeted 49ers owner Jed York: "Lost a member of the @49ers family last night. Thoughts and prayers go out to the Spadia family. Lou will be missed."